About Us
Before you make up your mind about your attitude to Ballykeel Church there are some important things about us that you should know.
The Church had it’s beginnings when some people who had come to live in the new houses in Ballykeel began to pray for a Christian witness within the area. The foundation stone for Ballykeel Meeting House {we prefer the old Presbyterian name for our building} was laid on 24 April 1974 and the first service was held on 15 September 1974. Since then it has been our aim to share our faith with the people of Ballykeel.
We are a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and are committed to the doctrines of the Reformed Faith.
We Believe
That the Bible is the inspired word of God
That since everyone has sinned, everyone needs God’s forgiveness
That when Jesus died he paid in full the penalty which was due for our sin
That forgiveness is received only by faith in Jesus Christ our only Saviour
That the Church exists to bring the good news of salvation to men and women who
do not believe and to provide fellowship and teaching for Christians
That the Church must carry out its work in the way that God commanded in his Word
That Christians should live lives that are consistent with the profession which they
make
That the Church can only be what it ought to be if every member plays his or her full
part in its life and witness.
That only those who are believers themselves are able to teach others or to hold
office within the Church.
Our Minister
Rev. Martin McNeely is our teaching elder in Ballykeel Church. He was ordained and installed as a minster in November 2007. Previously he worked as an Assistant in 1st Holywood after completing his study in Union College, Belfast. Originally from a Co. Tyrone farming background, Martin has spent much of his working life involved with the media and has lived in England, Scotland and East Belfast. He is married to Julie with two young children, Joshua and Martha. His hobbies include sport of all kinds, especially rugby and surfing, alongside reading and good music of all kinds.
Rev. Martin McNeely with his wife and family.
Joining The Church
You may become an “adherent” member of the Church without making any commitment at all. Indeed, we will be making a commitment to you.
We will welcome you and the members of your family to all the activities and
organisations within the Church.
We will keep you informed of what is happening and what is planned for Ballykeel
We will listen to your opinion and take it into consideration when decisions are being
made
We will place you and your family in an elder’s district so that you will have a strong
link with the congregation
We will offer spiritual guidance, comfort and support, especially in times of sickness
sorrow or need.
If this seems very one sided to you that’s because it is. We want you for yourself not for what you can give. Jesus said that he had not come to be served but to serve and we try to copy his example
Becoming a full {sometimes called “communicant”} member of the Church does involve a commitment from you.
saving faith in Jesus Christ, God’s son
You must be sure that God wants you to serve him in this part of his Church
You must be willing to support the witness of the Church by your presence,
prayers and giving
You must accept responsibility for sharing in the decisions that the congregation
takes.
You must take your place at the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
We would like all members to be full members of our fellowship, but we realise that you may not be ready for this yet. While we will certainly encourage you to trust in Christ and be committed to him and his Church, we promise never to put you under pressure to do so.